It’s beautiful when a person’s passion to create can combine with their heart to give. We see examples like this in individuals such as Judy Hass, a local sewer and quilter who has used her talents to comfort more than 700 families through her donations to Parkview Home Health & Hospice. She shares more about how she got into sewing and why she feels drawn to families utilizing hospice services.

How did you get into quilting and make the connection to Hospice?

When I was 10 years old, I joined 4-H. One of my projects was sewing and I loved it. In 2011, I was at a health fair (I set up for Cancer Services), and Parkview Home Health & Hospice was set up at a table next to me. The woman working was going through the literature for hospice services. She had a lap quilt that volunteers made for their hospice clients. I love sewing, my kids are grown up, I have a lot of free time, so I asked her if I could make quilts for them.

I retired in 2016, so I have a lot of time to sew now. I have been truly blessed. Women at church started saving their scraps for me when they found out I was making quilts and donating them. Friends have bought material for me and a sorority gave me $100 for batting. A woman who received a quilt (a seamstress) asked her daughter to make sure that I received her materials when she passed away. It was three full totes.

I made my first quilt at age 71. I bought quilting magazines and learned on my own.

Why do you feel compelled to donate to Hospice?

The lady at the health fair made me realize how much those quilts were needed. I have gone through chemo and radiation and was always cold, so I understand.

How many quilts have you donated?

I started keeping track in 2011, and did so until 2015, when I quit thinking it was necessary. If I use my total for those years, multiply those times the next five years … probably over 700. I don’t have an average per month, and I donate more in the winter than summer. If I have any free time, I head to the sewing room, for 15 minutes or maybe a couple of hours.

What motivates you to keep making them?

I love to help others, and I love sewing.

Is there a particular story or feedback that stands out to you from this work?

Cathy Petrie, LCSW, hospice bereavement counselor, Parkview Noble Hospital, asked if I would be interested in making photo bereavement quilts. I told her I had never done anything like that. She encouraged me to try. I bought a book of memory quilts and made my first one. Cathy has the photos copied, buys the material and I make the quilts. I have made a few; such a great opportunity to help a grieving family. I made baseball quilts for two young brothers who experienced loss. These are pretty special.

What do you hope these quilts provide to families and patients?

Comfort, knowing someone knows what they are going through and cares. An opportunity for me to pray as I make them for the recipients.